TRIBUTES have been paid to a solicitor who represented the people of Blackburn for more than two decades.

Roger Pickles, who ran his own law firm in Richmond Terrace, passed away on October 31 following a long illness.

The 45-year-old left behind his wife, Helen, two children Sam, 12, and Kate, 10, dad Ian and sister Helen.

Mr Pickles, who was originally from Billinge, near Wigan and St Helens, first came to Blackburn in the early 1990s to join his uncle Bob and another in setting up Parker and Pickles.

He set up his own practice, Roger Pickles & Co, in 1997.

His sister Helen, a solicitor who works for Silk Solicitors in James Street, Blackburn, said: “Roger was very intelligent. That is what everyone says.

“He was a people person who got on with everyone, from criminal clients to top barristers and judges.

“Roger was very fond of his clients and would go out of his way to help them if he could.

“There are very few lawyers who are natural advocates, but Roger was just that.

“He loved his job and he loved being in a courtroom.”

Wife Helen, whom he married in 2001, said: “He loved politics and reading.

“He enjoyed travelling and spending time with the children.

“Roger was a great father, very kind and generous.

“He was also very sociable and kept a small group of close friends.

“He was very charismatic, bright and funny.

“He had a sarcastic and dry sense of humour and in a room full of people he would be the one that stood out.”

Director Ian Huggan, speaking on behalf of all the staff at Roger Pickles & Co, said: “He was devoted to each and every client making many lifelong friends along the way.

“He was a genuine and kind-hearted man who will be missed by us all and remain in our hearts forever.

“He will always be remembered for his sense of humour.

“Roger always put a smile on our faces with his quick wit and roaring laugh.

“Sadly, his illness has restricted his working over the past two to three years, but we will continue, as we have done, working hard to preserve Roger’s legacy.”

Mr Pickles’s funeral is on Tuesday, from 3pm at St Helens Crematorium.